For the first time today I became convinced that health care reform will pass

[StevieM]

The GOP is just delivering the same talking points that have worked so well in the past. They don't get that the American people have become immunized to these soundbites. They used to work--now they don't. I'm sitting here listening to John Boener talk about how many pages are in the bill. Now he is talking about how many times the word "shall" is used. Amazingly, there was a time when this nonsense really moved the electorate. The best part about the Bush years is that they helped this country move past this absurdity.

Steve

[ZombieHorde]

1. I hope you are right. nt

[damntexdem]

2. In the last few days, I have come to doubt that reform will pass.

A healthcare bill will, but it may be so bad that we should oppose it.

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. Yep. A bill passing does not = reform passing. nt

[marketcrazy1]

4. yes a bill will pass

and it will SUCK!! but everyone will cheer anyway!

[StevieM]

5. Wow....why so pessimistic? I'm not Obama's biggest fan, but I think he is doing a really good job

in this debate. And the reason I'm becoming optimistic is because blue dogs like Jim Cooper and Mike Ross are for the public option. And I haven't head a lot of opposition to the employer mandate, either. That was the real sticking point in '94.

I think the main thing missing will be coverage for the underinsured. There probably won't be a standard benefits package, because it would require too much in subsidies. That would leave 60 million or so underinsured, limited to a so-called "smart plans." Fixing that will probably come later when there is more money available. But the framework will have been laid and we'll have a clear method of expanding coverage down the line.

Steve

[MarjorieG]

7. Really concerned after watching one more poll result and analysis on Tweety, w. Charlie Cook sayin

big legislation needs to be bi-partisan, and Obama lost the GOP by refusing to take on malpractice. Those who don't have insurance still approve of Obama's handling, but Independent & GOP and those who have insurance don't. (That's why the new emphasis on how affects, etc.) Coming down on Obama for weighing in on Gates, who the poll blames more than Crowley. Can only guess the demographic.

Kind of NIMBY and redistribution of wealth.

I'm mad as hell what the media and corps are doing to our chances for a great Presidency. Scaredy Congress worried about re-election.

[Walk away]

6. What is the point of passing a bill without a viable public option?

What a terrible betrayal of the American people. I never would have believed it in November.

[babylonsister]

10. Lest you be confused, Obama wants the public option.

He's not betraying anyone. Go look up who's on the Senate finance committee, or see who the blue dogs are. They're the ones you should be angry with.

[MarjorieG]

11. Nothing so far says we won't. Obama explained in Time how insufficient to do what we need. Media

will keep delegitizing anything less then bi-partisan. That's why Obama is courting them publically, and crediting inclusion of their ideas, regardless of whether we get votes.

He has to keep pitching we're saving money to the deficit concerned and touting his stimulus success.

The independents will come back, eventually.

[StevieM]

12. I am convinced that there will be a public option. If Dems like Jim Cooper and Mike Ross are for it

then I don't see why it wouldn't pass.

Steve

[pinto]

14. A public option remains in most proposals to be considered in conference and Obama supports it.

"News" of its demise is a little exaggerated.

[ecstatic]

8. For the first time, I'm convinced it might not. The media is going

full force trying to stir up all sorts of shit to derail healthcare.

[paulk]

9. but will it really be reform?

will a political victory for Obama become more important than good legislation?

will compromises be made that make the whole exercise worthless?

[masuki bance]

13. Yes, it is true that a bill that is called health care reform will pass. No question. nt